TN Visa Status as a Librarian

Librarians are one of the several professions that can qualify for TN Visa status under the USMCA (NAFTA). If you are a Canadian or Mexican Librarian with an offer of employment to work in the United States, you may qualify for TN Visa status. We discuss the profession of a Librarian and how to qualify for TN Visa status here.

What is a librarian for TN Visa purposes?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), the profession of a Librarian falls under Librarians and Library Media Specialists. A Librarian is defined as follows for immigration purposes:

Librarians and library media specialists help people find information and conduct research for personal and professional use. Their job duties may change based on the type of setting they work in, such as public, school, or medical libraries. Librarians and library media specialists typically do the following:

  • Create and use databases of library materials
  • Organize library materials so they are easy to find
  • Help library patrons to conduct research to evaluate search results and reference materials
  • Research new books and materials by reading book reviews, publishers’ announcements, and catalogs
  • Maintain existing collections and choose new books, videos, and other materials for purchase
  • Plan programs for different audiences, such as story time for children
  • Teach classes about information resources
  • Research computers and other equipment for purchase, as needed
  • Train and supervise library technicians, assistants, other support staff, and volunteers
  • Prepare library budgets

In small libraries, these workers are often responsible for many or all aspects of library operations. In large libraries, they usually focus on one aspect of the library, such as user services, technical services, or administrative services.

How do I qualify for TN Visa status as a Librarian?

You might qualify for TN Visa status as a librarian if you meet the following minimum qualifications:

  1. You are a Canadian or Mexican Citizen (Permanent Residents do NOT qualify);
  2. You have a job offer from a US employer or are servicing a contract with a US client;
  3. You will be performing duties consistent with a Librarian under the OOH;
  4. You have an M.L.S. or B.L.S. (For which another Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree was a prerequisite); and
  5. You can demonstrate that you have non-immigrant intent, in other words, the intent to return to your foreign residence at the end of your temporary employment.

Do I need a license or certificate to qualify for TN Visa status as a Librarian?

Public school librarians and library media specialists typically need a teacher’s certification. Some states require school librarians to pass a standardized test, such as the PRAXIS II Library Media Specialist test. However, certification is a post-entry requirement and not required to obtain TN Visa status.

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The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik Immigration Law have more than 30+ years of TN Visa experience helping people to live and work in the United States. Contact us today for an assessment of your qualifications for TN Visa status.

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